Tuesday, November 24, 2009

We're THANKFUL!

The past couple of days, we've been thinking and talking about how blessed we are. We weren't just talking about the tangible things like our home, toys, and things...

But we were first thinking about our immediate family. We are so thankful we are the6stricklands. We cherish our friendship and marriage. And who knew we would have two daughters and two sons?! Things in our home can get crazy and messy at times- but we wouldn't give any of that up for anything else in this world.

Then onto our extended family. We have so many great people on both sides of our family. Sure, there are family issues that occur on both sides, but whats thicker than blood? I like the quote "Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family." (Anthony Brandt) So thankful thats all that matters- we started as a family.

Then we were talking about our spiritual family. (Ephesians 2:19) The people of our church- and even moreso in our lifegroup. The commitment we have to eachother and to God. The together learning and growing deeper in the Lord, the unified prayers we share, the good times and the bad times together. Life would be so lonely without these people in our lives! SO thankful for all the relationships in our church body!

Then we got to talking about our Almighty God! Its so very overwhelming to possibly think of all the things He has done for us. We are SO thankful for His undeniable GRACE that has been poured out over us. We are so undeserving.. and yet He is so willing! We are SO thankful, so so so so thankful for His guidance, His unconditional love, His faithfulness, His help and His provision over our lives.

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving thanks.

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.